The BASE Otero: A New Chapter for Alamogordo Kids
Published 3 November 2026
The youth center at 201 Dale Scott Ave., long known as the Boys and Girls Club of Otero County, is now The BASE Otero Community Youth Center, an independent, locally run nonprofit. Its CEO, Angel Chapman-McDavid, is on the agenda to tell the Alamogordo City Commission about the center's new chapter at tonight's meeting, Tuesday, November 3. For families, it is still a place for before and after school care, homework help and summer programs, now with two new vans and a plan to grow.
I love stories like this one. A place that has looked after local kids for decades is rebuilding with a local name and local decisions, and it wants the community to be part of it.
What is The BASE Otero?
According to the presentation filed with the November 3 City Commission agenda packet, the center started as a local Boys Club effort in 1967 and grew into the Boys and Girls Club of Otero County. In 2025 its board chose independence and a locally rooted identity, and in 2026 a new CEO was appointed.
The name is a promise as much as a name. BASE stands for Belief, Authenticity, Success and Elevation. The presentation also credits the DeLeon family with a significant role in establishing the center's permanent home on Dale Scott Avenue.
What programs does The BASE offer kids?
The BASE serves school-aged youth. Here is what its Membership and Enrollment page and presentation describe.
| Program | What it includes |
|---|---|
| Before and after school care | Safe, structured care outside school hours, with supervision and positive social time |
| Homework help and tutoring | Support with homework, reading, math and study skills |
| Arts and creativity | Hands-on art and craft projects |
| Leadership and life skills | Activities that build confidence, responsibility and respect |
| Educational field trips | Learning through real-world outings |
| Summer program | Full-day summer activities, recreation and enrichment |
Enrollment is done online through Playground, a childcare management platform linked from The BASE's enrollment page. The same page has a Parent Handbook with drop-off, pick-up and safety policies. For costs and openings, call The BASE at (575) 488-2273.
What has changed at The BASE in 2026?
The presentation lists a busy year of rebuilding:
- Newly acquired 501(c)(3) nonprofit status
- Two new vans for youth transportation to and from school, programs and field trips
- Building repairs, painting, and new toys and art supplies
- A new website, a new vision statement and core values, and a mission mural
- A line-item annual budget of more than $900,000
Looking ahead, the center's goals are stronger reading and math support, investing in staff and curriculum, more diverse funding, deeper community partnerships and more chances for young people to shape their own future.
What events are coming up at The BASE?
The BASE lists these upcoming events on its website, all at 201 Dale Scott Ave.
| Date | Time | Event | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, January 19, 2027 | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Annual Meeting and Open House: meet the team and tour the building | Not listed |
| Saturday, February 13, 2027 | 6 to 10 p.m. | Date Night: kids' night in, parents' night out, ages 5 and up | $10 per child |
| Saturday, April 17, 2027 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. | Annual Car Show | Not listed |
The January open house is an easy, low-pressure way to see the center for yourself if you are weighing child care options.
How can neighbors help The BASE?
The presentation closes with a simple invitation to "Build the BASE With Us." You can give, bring your expertise or business as a partner, share their story, or volunteer and visit. Donations can be made through The BASE's donation page, and you can reach the team at info@baseotero.org or (575) 488-2273.
If you want to give back in other ways this season, my fall volunteer guide has more ideas.
What does this mean for families moving to Alamogordo?
Child care is one of the first things families ask me about, especially military families PCSing to Holloman on a tight timeline. Knowing there is a locally run youth center with before and after school care can make the move feel a lot more doable.
Plan ahead for school breaks, too. My guide to Alamogordo school days off in November and December lists the dates, and my Holloman AFB relocation guide covers the rest of the move. You may also remember The BASE from its Toy Factory haunted maze in October.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The BASE Otero?
The BASE Otero Community Youth Center is an independent, locally run nonprofit youth center at 201 Dale Scott Ave. in Alamogordo. It was formerly the Boys and Girls Club of Otero County.
What does BASE stand for?
BASE stands for Belief, Authenticity, Success and Elevation. The center says the name is both its identity and its promise to local kids.
Does The BASE Otero offer after school care?
Yes. It offers before and after school care with homework help and tutoring, plus a full-day summer program.
How do I enroll my child at The BASE Otero?
Enrollment is done online through Playground, linked from the Membership and Enrollment page at baseotero.org. For costs and openings, call (575) 488-2273.
When is the next open house at The BASE Otero?
The Annual Meeting and Open House is Tuesday, January 19, 2027, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. You can meet the team and tour the facility.
Details come from The BASE Otero's presentation in the City of Alamogordo's November 3, 2026, City Commission agenda packet and from baseotero.org, checked 3 November 2026. Programs, costs and event dates can change, so contact The BASE Otero before you go.